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Paycheck Calculator

Gross-to-net paycheck estimate: federal withholding, FICA, optional state flat tax, and take-home.

Estimates only — not tax, payroll, or financial advice. This is a simplified educational calculator (2026-ish federal brackets + standard deduction, employee FICA, optional flat state tax). It is not IRS Publication 15-T withholding, a substitute for your W-4, or a tax return. Real paystubs vary with credits, benefits, local taxes, additional Medicare tax, and your employer’s payroll system. Confirm numbers with a qualified tax or payroll professional.

About this tool

Paycheck Calculator is a free online calculator on PaystubKit, the paycheck tools hub from One More Turn Ventures LLC (OMTV). Gross-to-net paycheck estimate: federal withholding, FICA, optional state flat tax, and take-home.

What it does: Enter the gross amount on this paycheck (not annual salary). Filing status picks the standard deduction and bracket table. Pre-tax 401(k) reduces federal/state taxable wages but not FICA.

When to use it: Use it for planning and offer comparisons — then confirm against your actual paystub.

Part of the PaystubKit tools collection. Calculations run locally in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

How does this paycheck calculator estimate federal tax?

It annualizes your gross pay, subtracts an optional pre-tax 401(k) percent and the 2026 standard deduction for your filing status, then applies a simplified federal bracket table (Rev. Proc. 2025-32). It is not IRS Publication 15-T percentage-method withholding.

Does FICA include Social Security and Medicare?

Yes. Employee Social Security is 6.2% up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500. Medicare is 1.45% on all wages. Additional Medicare tax (0.9% over $200,000 single / $250,000 married) is included in the Medicare line when it applies.

Does a 401(k) contribution reduce FICA?

Traditional employee 401(k) deferrals typically reduce federal (and often state) taxable wages, but they remain subject to Social Security and Medicare. This estimator follows that pattern.

Why is my real paycheck different?

Employers use your W-4, pre-tax benefits (health, HSA, FSA), local taxes, credits, and payroll rounding. This tool ignores most of those. Treat it as a planning estimate only.

Is this tax advice?

No. PaystubKit results are educational estimates only — not tax, payroll, or financial advice.

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